How much mortgage money can I qualify to borrow?
This is typically the number one question mortgage professionals are asked by new clients.
Of critical importance when considering mortgage financing: There is sometimes a difference between what a client ***can*** borrow and what they ***should*** borrow.
In other words, what makes for a comfortable long-term mortgage payment?
The Quick Answer:
If we're simply considering the financial math, lenders will calculate your Debt-to-I ... Read More...

Interestingly enough, mortgage interest rates have continued their downward trend this past week, especially the past few days. This is basically a flight to quality event due to the Stock Market selling off. It could reverse itself in two weeks as we get closer to the biggest issue, possible de ... Read More...

I want you to make more money than ever before this year! We all know that we should have an annual business plan written and ready for implementation by the end of December. Just in case you forgot - procrastinated - or did not have a good format, I have attached a copy of "Be a Power Agent in 2013" for you to use. Let me know if you f ... Read More...

For the most part the Fiscal Cliff solution passed last night by Congress patched a few important issues and then punted the incredibly important long term issues two months down the road. The Real Estate community did benefit from the bill's final passage in three important areas as follows:
1. ... Read More...

While many experienced real estate agents have a general understanding of the mortgage approval process, there are a few important details that frequently get overlooked which may cause a purchase to be delayed or denied.
New regulation, updated disclosures, appraisal guidelines, mortgage rate pr ... Read More...

Although every situation is unique, it is not uncommon for homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage on a new home while still living in their primary residence.
Perhaps you are outgrowing your current house, or have been forced to relocate due to a job ... Read More...

Most people are surprised to learn what appraisers actually look at when determining the value of a real estate property.
A common misconception homeowners generally have is that the value of their home is determined after the appraiser has completed their physical property inspection.
However, th ... Read More...

Hey, I gave my real estate agent a $5000 Earnest Money Deposit check... Where does that money go?
A basic and very obvious question that most First-Time home Buyers ask once their purchase contract gets accepted.
According to Wikipedia:
Earnest Money - an earnest payment (sometimes called earnest money or simply earnest, or alternatively a good- ... Read More...

Buying a home versus renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration.
While there are several biased sources that can make arguments for or against owning a home, we've found that most home buyers base their ultimate decision on emotion.
Yes, there are some tax advantages of owning real estate, as well as the potential to earn equity ... Read More...

By including title insurance when purchasing property, your title insurer takes on accountability for legal expenses to defend your property title, should it ever be challenged.
Many different occurrences can come into play to warrant the need for title insurance.
The title company responsible wi ... Read More...

* Disclaimer – all information in this article is accurate as of the date this article was written *
The FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium is an important part of every FHA loan.
There are actually two types of Mortgage Insurance Premiums associated with FHA loans:
1. Up Front Mortgage Insurance ... Read More...

Getting a new mortgage for a First-Time Home Buyer can be a little overwhelming with all of the important details, guidelines and potential speed bumps.
Since there are so many rules and steps to follow, here is a simple list of Do's and Don'ts to keep in mind throughout the mortgage approval proce ... Read More...

For homeowners interested in making some property improvements without tapping into their savings or investment accounts, the two main options are to either take out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), or do a cash-out refinance.
According To Wikipedia:
A home equity line of credit is a loan in ... Read More...

Calculating the net benefit of refinancing can be a challenging task if you do not understand what to calculate. We are going to focus on the net benefits of refinancing from the standpoint of lowering your interest rate.
Although there are several reasons to refinance, lowering your mortgage rate ... Read More...

Why is there such a difference between what my appraised value is and the price similar homes are selling for on my street?
It’s a great question, and you don’t have to be a mortgage professional or a real estate agent to understand the answer.
... Read More...

Providing proper asset documentation and the actual source of the funds is a critical element of the loan closing process.
There's nothing worse in a real estate purchase than making it all the way through the hoops and hurdles just to have a loan denied after the final documents have been signed d ... Read More...

What the heck are they talking about?
Many borrowers go through the closing process in a haze, nodding, smiling, and signing through a bunch of noise that sounds like Greek.
Even though you may have put your trust in your real estate and mortgage team, it helps to understand some of the terminol ... Read More...

Need A Home Loan?

Bill Phillips

Bill Phillips is a Preferred Loan Consultant for Opes Advisors, and will be one of the first team members to contact you. As Branch Manager of Opes Advisors, Bill is a Certified Mortgage Planner and Direct Lender and Mortgage Banker. He is also approved with dozens of other Banks and lending sources throughout the U.S, and California. He has custom tailored loan plans for clients for over 20 years. Bill offers financial advice on how to properly structure financing to help his clients save money while building wealth, whether you are purchasing your first home or a seasoned investor. Feel free to contact him at the telephone number provided or e-mail him at Bill@TrustedLoanAdvisor.com.